As it turns out shopping with my almost 8th grader was pretty fun.  We went to the mall first thing Saturday morning to beat the crowds.  I suggested a looksie at Hollister and American Eagle Outfitters.  We were in and out of Hollister in no time.  I thought the loud music was ever so annoying, but so did he.  AEO wasn't so bad and he did score a new shirt there.  He suggested Macy's and it was there that he found the rest of what he wanted.  At least some of it was on sale so it was a win-win.

While the back to school shopping was accomplished it was also a nice chance for us to spend some time together.  We left dad and the other kids at home, so he was forced to talk to me.  That's definitely more of a challenge than it used to be.  So many of my attempts to have conversation are replied to with just a few grunts, or,"I don't know".  That's code for, "I don't want to talk about it".

On the way home he said that shopping hadn't been "that bad" and he hit me up for a chocolate shake.  For my son that was pretty much code for, " I had a really good time shopping with you after all.  I like what I got.  Thanks for taking me".  Now we were both pretty happy.

I hope your back to school shopping is as successful as mine.

School starts earlier and earlier every year.  When I was a kid we always went back to school in September, right after Labor Day.  This year the kids go back to school on Aug. 18th.  Summer has definitely gone quickly and we are all feeling the push to accomplish the many things on our summer to-do lists before school starts.  For me, this includes back to school shopping.  It's so hot here when school starts that I refuse to buy an entire back to school wardrobe.  A few new t shirts for the boys to replace the ones they have stained, torn, or otherwise ruined during vacation.  But for the most part their existing supply of shorts will do until the weather turns and it is time to buy long pants. 

My biggest challenge is with my oldest son, who will be in the 8th grade.  He hates shopping and has little concern for his appearance.  It makes me crazy!  The boy would wear the same shirt for days if I let him.  It was so much easier when he was young and I just said, "Wear this".  We will be going shopping at the mall together this Saturday for the aforementioned t shirts and some new socks.  Maybe this will be the year that he actually cares about what we buy.  A mother can hope.

If you are like me finding good activities for your kids is a challenge.  Some are just too darn expensive.  It's hard enought to pay for one child, much less two or three.  This is more complicated by the fact that I work so activity options are pretty much limited to nights and weekends.  I am always amazed how many activities take place on Tuesday's at 9am.  I don't just want to send my kids to activities.  I want to be able to go with them. 

Now imagine trying to find activities for a child with special needs.  It is all but impossible.  While school is out my 9 year old daughter is bored to tears and I haven't been able to find anything for her to participate in, even if money were not an issue.   I would love to find a dance, art or swimming program that would be willing to have her participate.  Typical classes of this kind just aren't geared for  kids with special needs.  She needs more time and more help than the average instructor is able to give.  In acoomunity our size I am just surprised that there are not more options.  If you know of something i am missing, please share!